Van Leeuwen, Van Ruined

June 9, 2014

I’ll admit it… my world was totally and completely shattered the day I found out Stogo in st marks had closed. Then, to add insult to injury, lulas was in talks to close up due to marital troubles… it was like a bad vegan nightmare (thankfully they were able to settle and reopen, with fewer business hours).

The whole right-side box has all the vegan flavors. Salted caramel is my next pick!

After getting over the traumatic loss of my stogo cream experience, I warily ventured over to van leeuwen, a few streets up from where stogo used to be.

The place has a nice vibe, accented by mahogany and white tile plus airy, floor-length windows.

Seeing as VL started out as a truck but were able to open a brick and mortar shop in one of the highest rent-charging neighborhoods, I figured it must be somewhat good. And the ice cream did not disappoint.

Too bad I can’t say the same for the service. The store was manned by two indifferent looking hipsters, who had a “yeah, we’re cool, you should already know, else you’re a loser” kind of vibe.

You know they’re really hipster when they use an iPad POS.

I didn’t exactly feel like I was being welcomed, and for how much they charge for their product ($6.00 for a double cone), they should be more receptive and courteous to their customers.

But besides the staff’s stank attitude, the overall ambiance of VL is nicely laid back and relaxing. I enjoyed a quaint view of the (probably crack den like) brownstone walkups across the street while licking my creamy pistachio ice cream cone.

Left – Pistachio, Right – Mint Chip. Yum!

Pistachio Ice Cream –

And boy, was it creamy. The ice cream, which is made of a blend of coconut and cashew cream, was sublime. I’m not like a pistachio fanatic by any stretch of the imagination, but this version definitely made me a fan.

It wasn’t overpoweringly flavored with pistachio… just subtley infused with the taste. The texture was both creamy and light, and it didnt leave me with an unpleasant aftertaste.

I also had a taste of the mint chip flavor, which I liked less than pistachio but was still pretty tasty. You can definitely taste that VL’s ice cream isn’t mass made, giving each batch a uniquely satisfying flavor palate and consistency.

I only have eyes for ze ice cream!

It’s just too bad I didn’t have a favorable experience with the staff… otherwise this visit would’ve been perfect.

Who is Vegan Chao?

Being vegan means so much more than just a diet. It's a way of life and though it can be tough, I'm here to give you tips, tricks and guidance on how to live a greener, leaner, kinder life, one carrot at a time!